What is a Digital Portfolio?

A portfolio is a goal-driven, organised collection of artefacts, evidential data and reflections that demonstrate a growth or expansion of knowledge and skills over time. The content, organisation and presentation of materials can vary greatly depending on the purpose and audience for whom the portfolio is intended. A portfolio is used to demonstrate or show evidence of an individual’s growth and development.

A digital portfolio, sometimes referred to as an electronic portfolio, e-folio, digital footprint or web folio contains much of the content that a traditional portfolio would include however the materials are presented in digital format. Materials, also known as evidential data or artefacts are presented using a combination of multimedia technologies such as digital photographs, audio recordings, video etc. A digital portfolio is a way of showcasing achievement online.

What are the Benefits?

The following information (Ward & Grant, 2007) briefly summarises the benefits of a digital portfolio:- An online 'repository' of evidential data or artefacts- A means of accessing information, sharing and collaborating- A means of presenting one's self, skills, qualities and achievements to others- A guidance tool to support reflection, review and choice- A means of encouraging a sense of personal identity

It is also necessary to think of a digital portfolio as an approach, method or support structure to teaching and learning. That is, a digital portfolio is both a quantifiable thing and at the same time, a process.

Digital Portfolio v Paper Portfolio - Which One Suits?

Digital Portfolio

Enduring

...

Provides continuity and can be lifelong

Freely and easily reproducible

Fully searchable - instantly and always available to be searched

Enables collaborative work

Can be a 'live' resource for others

Easily reviewable by anyone, anywhere, anytime

Can be read, peer reviewed instantly or marked by multiple viewers simultaneously - has a feedback loop

How might I Set Up a Digital Portfolio?

Many New Zealand schools maintain an LMS or Learning Management System - a managed platform for school-wide data that also offers teachers the opportunity to set up their own teacher and/or class web spaces. The infrastructure and deployment of a managed system varies. The structure of an LMS is however fixed and may restrict users in terms of download/usage capability. Sites created in an LMS can be password protected.

The sustainability of digital portfolios is quite critical and this can demand specialists within some schools. The experts work closely with staff and will often need time for implementation, training and re-organising resources.

If an LMS is not readily available some teachers like to learn for themselves and set up free websites as a Wiki space, Weebly or Blog. The three website providers as mentioned, offer excellent support and step by step videos are embedded in their home pages. A number of 'How to' videos can also be accessed via Vimeo or You Tube.

Two very important matters to thoughtfully consider when setting up a digital portfolio, wikispace, weebly or blog are support and security. Plan the digital journey in baby steps based on your technological experience, skill level and enthusiasm and become aware of internet safety, security and privacy considerations at school. It is also important that any information deemed private or confidential be password protected (if 'for selected eyes only') or otherwise left out/omitted.

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